FIELD EVALUATION OF ANAEROBIC SOIL DISINFESTATION IN A BELL PEPPER-EGGPLANT DOUBLE CROP

As a response to the global phase-out of methyl bromide (MeBr) as well as the limitations of fumigant alternatives to MeBr, there is a need for non-chemical options for controlling weeds, soil-borne pathogens, and plant-pathogenic nematodes in vegetable production systems. Anaerobic soil disinfestation (ASD) incorporates two well-studied and effective methods, biological soil disinfestation (Blok et al., 2000; Goud et al., 2004) and soil reduction sterilization (Shinmura, 2004). Soil treatment by ASD utilizes principles behind solarization and flooding to create elevated soil temperatures and anaerobic soil conditions through saturation of the topsoil, tarping with an oxygen-impermeable plastic, and the addition of a labile carbon source to stimulate microbial activity. The tarp is left in place for sufficient time to increase soil temperatures and allow soil microbial communities to create strongly anaerobic conditions. A complete factorial field experiment with three levels of initial irrigation (10, 5, 0 cm), two levels of poultry litter (amended, unamended), and two levels of molasses (amended, unamended), in combination with solarization wa